I almost forgot something very important about cultural traveling. I must ask about the local monsters.
Yes, that is not a joke, all cultures have them and usually the stories are very, very entertaining.
When I visited Manaus almost a decade ago I remember the locals talking about the dolphin man. The idea is that an Amazonian dolphin at night becomes a human, walks into town and makes some babies with the local women. You can’t tell he is not a dolphin man until you remove the hat he never takes off and it reveals the blow hole. There are even depictions of the monster in literature and urban art.
The folklore of monsters is usually connected to geographical characteristics, so I’m struggling to imagine what people here might believe in by just looking at my surroundings.
Now the challenge is as follows. How does one approach a stranger and ask about monsters without looking like a freak? I have no clue, but since I’m getting old enough not to care what anyone thinks of the flipped flopped stranger I won’t be bothered much if I get some funny looks.
Got one more day to hunt a monster, will report my findings later.
Monsters are no usually as scary as they're intend to be... through years I've befriended a few :), some "nightmares", some "shadows" :) hahahah. I have in fact an encyclopedia of monsters (no joke) I can try to make some checks ;-). By the way you are missed, :) hope you are enjoying your travels :) if you find anything close to cryptozoological or magical let me know :) Meanwhile I just wanted to tell you this (well my fufunchi Taika alter ego)
<3 hahahahha I will
:* I read you found one !
Here in the North-Western US, we have the dreaded Jackelope, which is half jack rabbit, half antelope. Which makes perfect sense because if there is anything scarier than an antelope it is a jackrabbit (haha). True, it may not be the most fearsome monster, but it is ours and we love it...
source
Here is a bit more about the jackelope... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackalope
Oh I like this one, Amber mentioned it once
Each time your adventure becomes more and more entertaining. I hope to continue reading these experiences
If you find a monster, please do not die.
Yes I don’t intend to hahahha I’ll give it a cookie
What a fascinating idea to do when traveling!
I love it!
Here in Australia, the Aboriginal people have several 'monsters'. The most famous and widespread one is the 'Bunyip', which was probably based on the various megafauna marsupials that used to roam Australia, perticularly the giant carnivorous kangaroo.
The most eerie stories are about the 'Min-Min' lights. Mysterious glowing spheres that would follow you if you are alone in the desert or bush. There's been many sigtings of these by non-Aborigibal people driving long distances on there own in the outback. Often leading to car crashes, or insanity etc.
Then there's the little blue people that live underground in certain high electromagnetic areas. Some are benign and others steal children (I have an interesting story about these I'll have to tell you around the campfire sometime).
Anyway, as always you inspire imagination and thought!
I reckon I'm going to start doing this when I travel too...